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LSU holds annual exhibition of animals in art

Posted May 15, 2013

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Jeanette Martone’s “Searching” won the Best of Show award at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine’s 26th International Exhibition on Animals in Art.(Photo by Christine Russell​)

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Artwork depicting common creatures ranging from a squirrel to a dog to a pelican won awards during the 26th International Exhibition on Animals in Art at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Jeanette Martone of Deer Park, N.Y., won the $1,000 Best of Show award for “Searching," a depiction of a squirrel in pencil and ink on paper.

“I tried to capture in a moment of time the vulnerability as well as the charm of the squirrel, bringing to attention an aspect of life so common that it sometimes is not noticed,” Martone said. “The simplicity and purity of pencil and paper lend an immediacy and intimacy to the work—and reveal the simplicity and beauty of the everyday.”

Seventy-five pieces of art depicting animals were on display during the show March 23-April 21 in the veterinary school’s library. A total of 179 artists from 35 states and Canada submitted 426 entries for the show.

The judge and juror was Samuel Joseph Corso, owner of Dufour-Corso Studios in Baton Rouge, La. Corso selected the works that appeared during the exhibition and most of the award winners.

Dr. Kurt J. Matushek, AVMA editor-in-chief, chose an oil painting of a dog “On Alert” by Margaret Rice of Baton Rouge to appear on the cover of this issue of the JAVMA.

“This year’s show was truly spectacular, with works spanning a wide range of subjects, themes, and methods,” Dr. Matushek said.

“But Margaret Rice’s painting immediately attracted me, both because of her flawless technique and because of the striking character of the dog it portrays.”

The People’s Choice Award went to Anni Crouter of Flint, Mich., for “Preen,” an acrylic painting of a preening pelican.

The veterinary school benefits from a portion of the art sales from the exhibition.